Biz Bits: What’s next – Playboy toothpaste?

Friday

Weekly business rail, with items on Playboy's new energy drink, the best luxury cars less than $50,000, tax tip of the week and more.

The Sexy Energy Drink

Playboy Enterprises Inc. announced it’s entering the beverage market with Playboy Energy Drink. The drink enters a saturated (but profitable) market and hopes its bunny logo will be a big hit. The drinks are now on shelves in Boston and will be released in Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles in March, with other cities to follow at later dates. – Source: Crain’s

The Biz List

The following are the best under-$50,000 luxury cars, by category, according to Forbes.com:

Best Coupe
BMW 3 Series ($36,075)

Best SUV
Lincoln MKX ($35,605)

Best Small Wagon
Audi A3 ($25,930)

Best Midsize Wagon
Volvo XC70 ($36,755)

Best Two-Seater
BMW Z4 Roadster ($37,175)

Best Compact Car
Lexus IS 250 ($34,185)

Best Convertible
Saab 9-3 ($39,590)

Best Midsize Car
Acura TL ($33,725)

Best Large Car
Infiniti M35 ($43,050)

Best Hybrid
Lexus RX400h ($41,280)

Tip of the Week: Where’s My Tax Refund?

Once you’ve filed your tax return and want to know when you’ll get your refund (if you’re entitled to it, of course), you can do so on www.irs.gov. The IRS site will let you track your refund, whether you’re getting it via mail or direct deposit. Here’s what you need to access your tracking information:

If you don’t receive your refund within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date shown on Where’s My Refund?, you can start a refund trace online.

If Where’s My Refund? shows that IRS was unable to deliver your refund, you can change your address online.

Reminder: The IRS never initiates e-mails about your refund. If someone is trying to scam you, contact the IRS.

For more information, go to www.IRS.gov.

Number to Know: 2 Million

Dollars that a New York man discovered in his bank account – and he went ahead and used it to buy gifts for his girlfriend and make investments, according to police. Commerce Bank said a snafu involving two people with the same name caused money to be deposited in the wrong account. The man who is accused of spending the money is charged with grand larceny. – Source: Reuters

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GateHouse News Service

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